Adding a Ring Doorbell to another phone lets multiple users receive alerts and view live video. This guide walks you through sharing access via the Ring app, managing permissions, and troubleshooting common issues.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app to invite users: You can add another phone by sending an invitation through the Ring app, which grants access to live view, motion alerts, and recordings.
- Choose the right user type: Ring offers two access levels—Owner (full control) and Shared User (limited access)—so you can control what others can do.
- Ensure both devices are updated: The Ring app and device firmware should be up to date to avoid connection or syncing issues.
- Check Wi-Fi and location settings: Both phones need a stable internet connection and location permissions enabled for the Ring app to work properly.
- Revoke access anytime: You can remove a user’s access instantly from the Ring app if needed, giving you full control over who sees your doorbell feed.
- Troubleshoot common problems: Issues like failed invitations or delayed alerts can often be fixed by restarting the app, checking permissions, or re-inviting the user.
- Use two-factor authentication for security: Enable 2FA on your Ring account to protect your doorbell and shared access from unauthorized use.
How to Add Ring Doorbell to Another Phone
Adding your Ring Doorbell to another phone is a simple and secure way to let family members, roommates, or trusted neighbors stay connected to your home’s security. Whether you want your spouse to see who’s at the door while you’re at work or give your teenager access to check the front porch, sharing your Ring device ensures everyone stays informed.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to add Ring Doorbell to another phone using the official Ring app. We’ll walk you through each step—from sending an invitation to managing user permissions—and share tips to keep your device secure. You’ll also find troubleshooting advice for common issues like failed connections or delayed notifications.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently share your Ring Doorbell with others, knowing exactly how to control access and maintain privacy.
Why Share Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add Ring Doorbell to Another Phone
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Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why sharing your Ring Doorbell is useful. Ring devices are designed for smart home integration, and one of their biggest advantages is the ability to connect multiple users.
For example, if you’re away on vacation, your partner can still receive motion alerts and answer the door remotely. Or, if you have a delivery coming, your roommate can monitor the front porch and bring in packages. Sharing access also helps in emergencies—like if someone rings the doorbell late at night, multiple people can respond quickly.
Additionally, shared access encourages better home security habits. When more people are aware of activity at the door, suspicious behavior is more likely to be noticed and reported.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before you begin adding another phone to your Ring Doorbell, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring account: You must be the owner of the Ring device to invite others.
- The Ring app installed on both phones: Download the free Ring app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- An email address for the new user: You’ll need their email to send the invitation.
- Stable Wi-Fi connection: Both phones should be connected to the internet.
- Location services enabled: The Ring app requires location access to function properly.
- Updated app and firmware: Check for updates in the app and on your Ring device.
Having these ready will ensure a smooth setup process.
Step 1: Open the Ring App on Your Phone
Start by opening the Ring app on the phone that currently controls the doorbell—this is your device as the owner.
Once the app loads, you’ll see the home screen with your Ring devices listed. Make sure your doorbell is online and functioning. If it shows as offline, check your Wi-Fi connection or power source before proceeding.
Tap on the menu icon (usually three lines in the top-left corner) to access the main navigation.
Navigate to the Device Settings
From the menu, select Devices. This will show a list of all your Ring products, including doorbells, cameras, and alarms.
Find your doorbell in the list and tap on it to open its settings.
Access the Shared Users Section
Inside the doorbell’s settings, scroll down until you see the Shared Users option. Tap on it to view current users and add new ones.
This is where you’ll manage who has access to your doorbell.
Step 2: Send an Invitation to the New User
Now it’s time to invite someone to access your Ring Doorbell.
Tap “Add Shared User”
In the Shared Users section, tap the Add Shared User button. This will open a form where you can enter the new user’s details.
Enter the User’s Email Address
Type in the email address associated with the person’s Ring account. If they don’t have a Ring account yet, they’ll be prompted to create one when they receive the invitation.
Make sure the email is correct—typos are a common reason invitations fail.
Choose the User Type
Ring offers two types of access:
- Owner: Full control over the device, including settings, recordings, and user management. Only one owner is allowed per device.
- Shared User: Can view live video, receive alerts, and answer the door, but cannot change settings or remove other users.
For most cases, select Shared User to maintain control while allowing access.
Send the Invitation
Once you’ve entered the email and selected the user type, tap Send Invitation. The person will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation.
Step 3: Accept the Invitation on the New Phone
The new user must now accept the invitation on their phone.
Check Their Email
The person should open the email from Ring and tap the Accept Invitation link. This will redirect them to the Ring app or prompt them to download it if they don’t have it.
Sign In or Create a Ring Account
If they already have a Ring account, they’ll sign in. If not, they’ll need to create one using the same email address you invited.
During account creation, they’ll set a password and verify their email.
Grant Permissions
Once logged in, the app may ask for permissions such as:
- Camera access (for two-way talk)
- Microphone access (for speaking through the doorbell)
- Location access (required for device functionality)
- Notifications (to receive alerts)
Make sure they allow all necessary permissions for full functionality.
Complete the Setup
After accepting the invitation and granting permissions, the doorbell will appear in their Ring app under “Shared Devices.” They can now view live video, receive motion alerts, and answer the door remotely.
Step 4: Test the Connection
It’s important to test that everything is working correctly.
Check Live View
Have the new user open the Ring app and tap on the shared doorbell. They should see a live video feed within a few seconds.
If the video is delayed or won’t load, check their internet connection or restart the app.
Test Motion Alerts
Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger a motion alert. The new user should receive a notification on their phone.
If they don’t, check their notification settings in the Ring app and on their phone.
Try Two-Way Talk
Press the talk button in the app and speak. The person at the door should hear you, and you should hear them through the doorbell’s speaker.
If audio doesn’t work, ensure microphone and speaker permissions are enabled.
Managing Shared Users
As the owner, you have full control over who can access your Ring Doorbell.
View Current Users
Go back to the Shared Users section in your doorbell’s settings to see a list of everyone with access.
You’ll see their name, email, and user type.
Change User Permissions
If you want to upgrade a Shared User to Owner (or vice versa), tap on their name and select a new user type.
Note: Only one Owner is allowed per device.
Remove a User
To revoke access, tap on the user’s name and select Remove User. Confirm the action, and they will no longer receive alerts or view the doorbell.
This is useful if someone moves out or you no longer trust them with access.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
To ensure the best experience when sharing your Ring Doorbell, follow these practical tips:
Keep the App Updated
Regularly check for updates in the App Store or Google Play. New versions often include bug fixes and security improvements.
Outdated apps can cause syncing issues or prevent invitations from being sent.
Use Strong Passwords
Encourage all users to create strong, unique passwords for their Ring accounts. Avoid common words or personal information.
This helps protect your doorbell from unauthorized access.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Go to your Ring account settings and turn on 2FA. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone when logging in.
It’s one of the best ways to prevent hacking.
Monitor Activity Logs
In the Ring app, you can view activity logs to see when someone viewed the camera or answered the door.
This helps you stay aware of who’s using the device and when.
Set Up Motion Zones
Customize motion zones in your doorbell settings to reduce false alerts. For example, you can ignore motion from the street but alert you when someone approaches the door.
This ensures all users only get relevant notifications.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful setup, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common issues when adding Ring Doorbell to another phone.
Invitation Not Received
If the new user doesn’t get the email:
- Check the spam or junk folder.
- Confirm the email address was entered correctly.
- Resend the invitation from the Shared Users section.
- Ensure the recipient’s email provider isn’t blocking Ring emails.
App Crashes or Freezes
If the Ring app crashes on the new phone:
- Close and reopen the app.
- Restart the phone.
- Clear the app cache (in phone settings).
- Reinstall the Ring app if needed.
Live View Won’t Load
If the video feed is blank or loading:
- Check the Wi-Fi signal at the doorbell location.
- Ensure the new user has a strong internet connection.
- Restart the Ring device by removing and reinserting the battery (for battery-powered models).
- Update the device firmware through the app.
No Motion Alerts
If the new user isn’t getting alerts:
- Open the Ring app and go to Device Settings > Motion Settings.
- Make sure motion alerts are turned on.
- Check the phone’s notification settings—Ring should be allowed to send alerts.
- Ensure Do Not Disturb mode is off.
Two-Way Talk Not Working
If audio doesn’t work:
- Verify microphone and speaker permissions are enabled.
- Test the doorbell’s speaker by playing a test sound in the app.
- Check the volume settings on both the app and the phone.
- Ensure the doorbell isn’t muted.
User Can’t Answer the Door
If the new user can see the video but can’t respond:
- Confirm they are listed as a Shared User or Owner.
- Check that the doorbell is connected to a Ring Chime or compatible smart speaker (if using voice response).
- Restart the app and try again.
Security Best Practices
Sharing your Ring Doorbell doesn’t mean sacrificing security. Follow these best practices to keep your home and data safe.
Only Share with Trusted People
Only invite people you trust—like family members or close friends. Avoid sharing access with strangers or service providers unless absolutely necessary.
Regularly Review Shared Users
Every few months, check your Shared Users list and remove anyone who no longer needs access.
This reduces the risk of unauthorized use.
Log Out on Shared Devices
If you let someone use your phone to set up the doorbell, make sure they log out of your Ring account when they’re done.
Never leave your account signed in on someone else’s device.
Use Unique Email Addresses
Each user should have their own Ring account with a unique email. Avoid sharing one account across multiple people.
This makes it easier to track who did what and revoke access if needed.
Monitor for Suspicious Activity
If you notice unusual login attempts or unexpected changes to settings, change your password immediately and review your account activity.
Ring sends email alerts for new logins, so pay attention to those.
Conclusion
Adding your Ring Doorbell to another phone is a straightforward process that enhances home security and convenience. By following the steps in this guide, you can safely share access with family, roommates, or trusted neighbors—giving them the ability to see who’s at the door, receive alerts, and respond when needed.
Remember to use the Ring app to send invitations, choose the right user type, and manage permissions carefully. Keep both the app and device updated, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor shared users regularly.
With these tips and troubleshooting advice, you’ll ensure a smooth and secure experience for everyone involved. Whether you’re sharing with a partner, teen, or neighbor, your Ring Doorbell can become a shared tool for smarter, safer living.